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From: pjm@spuxll.UUCP (PJ Maioriello)
Newsgroups: net.micro.cbm
Subject: Re: Commodore C128 (?)
Message-ID: <651@spuxll.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 9-Apr-85 16:23:30 EST
Article-I.D.: spuxll.651
Posted: Tue Apr  9 16:23:30 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 10-Apr-85 06:05:47 EST
References: <231@aluxp.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems, South Plainfield NJ
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The machines mentioned are not the same.
The B128 came out at least a year ago.  It uses a 6509
(6502 instruction compatible) microprocessor, does 80 columns
and is only moderately compatible with any ohter CBM machine.
This means that very basic BASIC (no machine dependent pokes) will
work.  Also I beleive the perennial kernal jump table was maintained.
These beasties are currently featured in a bundles package sold
by Protecto Enterprises at a really nice price for what you get.
The only catch is that the machine never caught on, and there
has not been much software written specifically for it.

The "C"128 (actually, I believe it's officially called the Commodore 128,
ala Commodore 64) is a totally different animal.
It is actually three different computers with three deifferent
processors (6510,8502,z80), and two different video display chips(composite
40 col, sprites, 320x200, 16 colors and rgb1, 80 col, 640 horizontal
pixel resolution, 16 colors).

It operates using these various processors in a native 128 mode, a z80
CPM mode and it is also literally a 64.  Note this is not an emulation.
It is a 64 when it is in 64 mode.  Note the machine supposedly
posesses 112k rom to support all of these modes.  This includes
the 64 basic intepreter and kernal.  Supposedly not one byte has been changed.
Even access to the new features has been sacrificed the preserve its
ability to be a 64.

The April issue (I think) of Creative Computing has an article by
Sheldon Leeman (sp), desribing some of the goodies of the 128 mode.
Apparantly the 8502 has some fairly nice memeory management capabilities
that go beyond simple bank switching.  Common memory areas can be
defined and made accessible in multiple banks.  Color memory is
not fixed so that displays can be set up and instantly accessed.
The 8502 chip also supports multiple zero pages and stack segments.

I have a few more details if anybody is interested.

As a current c64 owner I plan to purchase a 128.  The 64 compatibility
access to CPM, and 128 mode make it very attractive.
Its like getting a new computer without giving up anything.  All my
existing software will still work, and CPM access is a nice bonus.

Also be on the lookout for a 1200 baud Auto dial, Auto answer, Auto
baud modem for under $100.  Supposedly the deal has been
struck where U.S. Robotics will make them and Commodore will
market them.

Sorry if I sound like a commercial, but I would love to see
some real competition between CBM and Atari where the real
winners will be the people who get more computing power for
less money, us!!

If anybody has any new info please post.


P. J. Maioriello
spuxll!pjm